Re: Use of masks in waiting rooms

[Wilson, Fiona (TIPCU)]

Hi Fiona, you may want to have a look at the AHMPPI at http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/ohp-ahmppi.htm
There are a number of evidence summaries (at the bottom of the site page) including one for infection control that talk about the evidence for effectiveness of mask wearing in a number of settings (admittedly during a pandemic rather than the usual influenza season). I think you will find that evidence is pretty thin on the ground.
Regards

Fiona Wilson I Clinical Nurse Consultant
Population Health Services I Department of Health and Human Services
3/25Argyle St Hobart, GPO Box 125 Hobart 7001
Phone (03) 6166 0601| Mobile 0439 014 634 | Fax (03) 6233 0553
Prevention is better than cure

Hi All,

I have recently been asked to review the provision of masks in waiting areas e.g. outpatients, ED, GP Rooms, to determine if there is any level of proof that having masks available for people with an undiagnosed respiratory illness’ to use actually reduces transmission of infection. The alternative hypothesis put to me is that the masks are not used correctly, they get wet and are not changed and that people cough harder when wearing a mask therefore the mask is more of an infection risk than just tissues and alcohol hand gel.

I am interested in the opinion of members on this topic and what research you use to back up your response.
Kind regards,

Fiona De Sousa
Infection Prevention & Control Coordinator
Sydney Adventist Hospital
Fiona.Desousa@sah.org.au
185 Fox Valley Road, Wahroonga, NSW, 2076

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